Teni & Tayo Creations produces STEM kits, toys, books, apparel, and more for kids. The business is on a mission to help close the representation gap in the products made for kids while creating fun and engaging products that any child can enjoy.
We caught up with founder Omobola Imoisili to learn more about Teni & Tayo Creations.
What inspired you to start your business?
I was born and raised in Nigeria and was always surrounded by people that looked like me, but now I’m raising 2 young daughters in California, and we are a minority.
After my girls were born it didn’t take long for me to notice the lack of representation in the everyday things for kids, but also the lack of awareness when it came to African culture and history.
Most people only think of poverty and war when they think of Africa, but I wanted my daughters to feel proud of their heritage and to know that there is more to Africa than that.
That’s when I decided to start something on my own. My hope is that the products I create appeal to children from all ethnic groups, while at the same allowing black and African children to feel more empowered, and proud to be who they are.
What do you enjoy the most about being an entrepreneur?
I enjoy most the freedom to create without boundaries. I enjoy being able to see a gap in our community and find creative ways to solve that problem without having to seek approval from a boss.
I enjoy that the only boss that I have are the customers who shop with me, and I enjoy listening to the needs of my customers and adapting as needed.
How do you decide what to include in your subscription box?
I teach a STEM robotics class and an African Folktales class, very different topics, I know. However, I get a lot of ideas from those two classes on what to put in the box.
Many (not all) of the things in the subscription box are STEM toys (e.g we’ve done a mechanical safe and glowing house) so interacting with the kids in the STEM class helps to vet and test some of the things that go in the box. And by teaching the African folktales class, I learn what kids find interesting and build content around that for the subscription box.
If you could master any business skill overnight, what would it be and why?
I would master the art of sales. I don’t think there is much else to say about that. Sales is very important for any business and having mastery of that skill would be amazing.
What are your future goals for Teni & Tayo Creations?
My goal is for Teni and Tayo Creations to be known as the go to place for fun and educational toys and activities for kids that empower and inspire.
And through my products and services, I would love for Teni & Tayo to help change the narrative of Africa and inspire the next generation of leaders to work together to improve Black communities across the world.
What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
My advice is to pull a Nike and “Just Do It.” If you have an idea, don’t waste too much time thinking about the obstacles. Instead, focus on the steps that you need to take in order to get to your end goal.
Break into smaller manageable chunks if you need do. But don’t wait. Also, do not be afraid to adapt and change based on what is working and not working. Business is hard and being flexible is important to survival.
The post Mompreneur Creates Fun Products That Inspire and Educate Children appeared first on SHOPPE BLACK.
